Real climate action is finally here

Yesterday, the Albanese Labor Government revealed their Climate Bill. 
 
This Bill is a major and important step towards real, concrete action after a decade of denial by the Liberal-Nationals under Abbott, Turnbull and Morrison. 
 
Let’s be clear: enshrining the targets of reducing emissions by 43 per cent by 2030 and down to net zero by 2050 is an important first step.  
 
The Australian union movement supports carbon pollution reduction and the transition to a clean energy economy. We know that workers are critical to every step in this change and that we need to be there ensuring that good, safe and secure jobs are wired into the plan. 

Last year unions came together with business and climate organisations to develop an ambitious clean energy blueprint – which was sadly ignored by the former Morrison government. With the Albanese Government and a new Parliament, we can finally work towards the future. 
 
The Bill will also bring back honesty and integrity in how we measure our progress – things sorely lacking under the former Government. 
 
It creates a choice between concrete action with clear targets on climate from the Government, and no action and more denial from the Dutton Coalition. 
 
Australian workers can’t afford more denial or delay. Working people are at the front lines of the climate crisis – from firefighters, first responders, health-care workers and workers whose jobs are wrecked by climate-worsened droughts, fires and floods. 
 
Even before the Bill was tabled yesterday, we saw Peter Dutton and the Liberal-Nationals declare they would vote against climate action. 
 
Opposing this Bill puts the Dutton Liberal-Nationals standing against much needed investment in hundreds of thousands of new jobs in clean energy export industries.  

A 43 per cent emissions reduction target is just the beginning – unions will work with government, business, and climate organisations to ensure Australia becomes a renewables superpower with good, secure union jobs and makes a strong contribution to a safer climate. 
 
Australian unions know that more work is needed at every level to support workers and communities affected by the changes we are facing in climate, industries and jobs. This Bill is a vital step to ensuring that this work happens.  

We’re asking you today to add your voice to ours in support of this Bill.